Shayla Goldie Merrell

Shayla Goldie Merrell, 34 years old, living in Boise, Idaho, has continued her journey in Heaven this day, February 15, 2021, at 2:30 am. She passed away in her home, with her family, and in the arms of the love of her life, Casey Merrell. She persevered four years of liposarcoma cancer and endured valiantly to the very end.

Known by her family as “Shayla,” known by most of her friends as “Goldie,” and know by the love of her life commonly as his “GoldieShay.” They lived a remarkable life and created an unbelievable story. The form of liposarcoma cancer that invaded her body was a very rare and aggressive mutation. She fought it positively and bravely for four years.

GoldieShay always animated life with her smile, laughter, and sense of humor sprinkled with an occasional swear word just to make a point! Since the day of her birth, happiness has accompanied her everywhere she went. Her parents often said, “She has come to teach us more than we can teach her.” That is true in every aspect of how GoldieShay lived. Her sisters and brother could always count on her to find the humor in every situation and were never disappointed.

She graduated from Hillcrest High School (Idaho Falls, ID) and went to BYU-Idaho with a major in Floral Design. She met her “Mane Man,” Casey Merrell, in college, and they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple. She became an aerobics instructor, designed floral arrangements for the Grand Hotel in SLC, UT, received her real estate license, made countless baby quilts, had constant church callings, and adored Hawaii. She quoted one liners from tv series and movies to the extent of having full conversations with quotes and nothing else. However, her greatest achievement was becoming a mom. She showed the world she could mother four children and valiantly take on cancer.

Her favorite activity was cheering for her boys during their football games and accompanying them to many wrestling tournaments. As a sports fanatic, she was a fan of any team Tom Brady as well as Chase Merrell (her nephew) who played on his high school football team… but that could be because she fiercely supported her husband. Having a successful morning with her children and giving them hugs and smiles was the highlight of her day, especially during the last couple of months of her indescribable life. Her husband, Casey Merrell, is the love of her life and her forever best friend. A perfect night included a simple dinner date with her husband, cuddling to a good movie, and falling asleep in his arms. He constantly remained by her side, faithfully, through all the challenging and tender moments; he left nothing lacking. She loved him more than anyone can possibly describe in a few short words.

Everyone who ever met her was immediately affected by her spirit and ability to give them love and energy. She inspired all who knew her. Her greatest accomplishment will surely be the example she was for her children. They watched her battle cancer, and she never gave up. Even when everyone else told her there was no cure or option, she chose to fight as long as she could. Her desire to continue as the earthly mother to her children drove her to fight. And fight she did. This is the mother her children will remember, a mother who lived the good life and fought to the end. It is her example that will help them as they continue on their journey without her physical presence. We all know she will be right there with them every step of the way.

She surely will never be forgotten. Her story and legacy will live on in her children and all who were blessed by her light. GoldieShay hopes always to be remembered as living her best life with those she loves and will take over Heaven with her radiance! Her #1 saying was “I Love You Always and Forever.”

She is survived by her husband Casey Merrell, and her four young children: Tate (11), Paden (8), Autumn (4), and Summer (11 months).

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 17th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Cloverdale Funeral Home – Gibson Chapel. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 18th at 11:00 a.m. at the Amity Stake Center, 12040 W. Amity Rd., Boise, ID 83709. She will be laid to rest in the Montpelier City Cemetery in Montpelier, ID on Friday, February 18th at 12:00 p.m.